16 



ular surfaces surrounding it, a perfect^ straight walk is m the best 

 taste and adds greatly to the effect of the architecture, while a fre- 

 quently curving walk detracts from it. So also a walk along the side 

 of a straight boundary fence should not curve if both lines are visible 

 at the same time. Most persons are aware of the great beauty of 

 straight walks and avenues of trees ; and for public parks of lesser 

 order, inclosed by formal outlines, they can always be introduced with 

 great effect, as well as convenience, where curving walks would be the 

 reverse. In this case beauty depends upon harmo ny rather than con 

 trast, and more than either upon utility. 



When roads or walks are carried over irregular surfaces the natural 

 turns and windings necessary to follow an easy or uniform grade and 

 keep as near the original surface of the ground as possible will usually 

 develop pleasing curves. A little studied attention in this matter of 

 the course of a road will not only increase the beauty of curves by add- 

 ing to them the grace of utility, but also deep and expensive cuttings, 

 as well as heavy embankments, will be avoided, and easy grades and 

 economical construction be more certainly secured. 



When it is necessary to branch a second road from the main line it 

 should leave the latter at as nearly a right angle as convenient, and at 

 the same time be somewhat narrower, so that its appearance may con- 

 vey the proper idea of it being subordinate, and to avoid confusion and 

 mistake; otherwise the roads leading to the stable, ice house, or gar- 

 den may be mistaken for the road to the mansion. Under no circum- 

 stances should walks be made conspicuous in views of natural scenery. 

 If it is essentially necessary that a walk should cross a lawn where it 

 would interrupt a continuity of view and destroy breadth of effect it 

 should be sunk beneath the line of vision by placing it in a slight ex- 

 cavation, which may be further assisted by throwing up a small mound 

 on the side nearest the point of view. These expedients, as also that 

 of planting thick groups of low-growing shrubs, will be effective and 

 satisfactory if properly executed. 



In laying out curving roads it is not advisable to closely follow geo- 

 metrical rules, or to set the curves out to any regular radius. This 

 plan may occasionally prove perfectly satisfactory on a strictly level 

 surface, but it will have quite an opposite effect where the ground is 

 greatly undulating. The curves, to be pleasing, must be " eye-sweet n 

 not too sudden or abrupt and properly blended at their points of 

 j unction. 



CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND WALKS. 



Yery much of personal comfort and pleasure in rural residences 

 depends upon good roads. A smooth, firm, dry road is one of the great- 

 est conveniences and enjoyments, while a rough, soft, muddy road is 

 one of the greatest drawbacks and annoyances of country life. Bad- 

 roads form the greatest obstacles to progress and permanent improve- 



